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County managers and commissioners debate pausing or funding community engagement for new Justice Center
Summary
County Manager Rebecca Clemens told the court phase 2 (programming) is wrapping up and recommended a limited Phase 3A for community engagement and preliminary design; several commissioners urged slowing down to build trust and listen to neighbors before advancing design or construction funding.
Rebecca Clemens, Williamson County Manager, told commissioners the Justice Center project is completing phase 2 (programming) and described two paths forward: remain in phase 2 and reallocate funding, or authorize a limited Phase 3A to fund public engagement and initial design work. "Phase 3 focuses heavily on community engagement design and project development," Clemens said, and she emphasized that Phase 3A would not authorize construction, final design, maximum price or contractors without further court authorization.
Commissioners expressed a consensus to "listen" to neighbors, cities and school districts, with several urging the court to slow the process to rebuild trust and ensure community concerns are answered before moving into any construction phase. Options discussed included amending the consultant contract to add engagement funding or approving 3A with strict parameters and limits, and members asked staff to return with refined cost, design-concept guidance and a timeline for next court consideration.
